As part of his field work for a damning report into poverty in the UK, Philip Alston, the UN rapporteur, visited Newcastle where he found people struggling to negotiate the benefits system and going hungry. He called it a ‘social calamity and an economic disaster’. Plus: John Kerry on how Donald Trump has undermined global institutions

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Thank you to the 1,000,000 readers who have helped to keep The Guardian’s independent journalism open and accessible to all. Together we can be a force for change. Imagine what the next million could achieve. Please read this update from our editor in chief and continue supporting us.Thank you to the 1,000,000 readers around the world who have helped to keep The Guardian’s independent journalism open and accessible to all. And to our 89,000 supporters in Australia. Together we can be a force for change. Imagine what the next million could achieve. Please continue supporting us.

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Protects our editorial independence

Keeps our journalism open to all

At a critical time in our world

Thank you to the 1,000,000 readers who have helped to keep The Guardian’s independent journalism open and accessible to all. Imagine what we could continue to achieve with the support of many more of you. Together we can be a force for change. Read our story and please consider supporting us today.Thank you to the 1,000,000 Guardian supporters around the world - including the 89,000 Australian readers who have helped to keep Guardian Australia’s independent journalism open and accessible. Imagine what we could continue to achieve with the support of many more of you. Together we can be a force for change.